Cathay Pacific has long been a major player in connecting Hong Kong with Europe, leveraging its modern fleet to maintain and expand its network. The airline’s Airbus A350s, known for efficiency and passenger comfort, will dominate its European routes in 2025, with limited use of its Boeing 777-300ERs. This article explores the airline’s planned services, fleet details, and growing presence in Europe.
Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350 Fleet: Backbone of European Routes
Cathay Pacific introduced the Airbus A350 in 2016 and has since expanded its fleet to include 30 A350-900s and 18 A350-1000s. Known for fuel efficiency and range, the A350 has proven ideal for Cathay’s long-haul operations.
Despite challenges like delayed deliveries and inspections following an engine issue in 2024, the A350 fleet remains central to Cathay Pacific’s European network, providing consistent service to major cities.
Key Routes and Planned Services
London Heathrow (LHR)
London remains Cathay Pacific’s primary European destination. In 2025, the airline will operate five daily flights to Heathrow, increasing to six on Fridays from April to October.
- Aircraft: Initially serviced by A350-900s, A350-1000s, and 777-300ERs, transitioning fully to A350-900s by October.
- Annual Flights: 1,667, with A350-900s performing most of the services.
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Amsterdam will see daily flights from Hong Kong, with a mix of A350-900s and A350-1000s early in the year.
- Aircraft: A350-1000s will operate from January to March, with A350-900s taking over from April.
- Annual Flights: 334.
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Paris will receive daily A350-900 services throughout 2025, with minimal schedule gaps.
- Aircraft: Exclusively A350-900s.
- Annual Flights: 334.
Frankfurt Am Main (FRA)
Frankfurt will remain a significant destination, transitioning from 777-300ERs to A350-900s by late March.
- Aircraft: Initial 777-300ER flights replaced entirely by A350-900s from April.
- Annual Flights: 333.
Zurich (ZRH)
Zurich is scheduled for daily A350-900 service in 2025.
- Aircraft: Exclusively A350-900s.
- Annual Flights: 332.
Manchester (MAN)
Cathay Pacific’s Manchester route features some irregular scheduling but will maintain consistent service during peak months.
- Aircraft: Exclusively A350-900s.
- Annual Flights: 322.
Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Milan will initially see 777-300ER flights until March, transitioning to A350-900s thereafter.
- Aircraft: 777-300ERs through March, A350-900s for the rest of the year.
- Annual Flights: 306.
Madrid (MAD)
Madrid will have year-round service with flights operating four times a week.
- Aircraft: Exclusively A350-900s.
- Annual Flights: 191.
Seasonal Destinations
Barcelona (BCN)
Barcelona will receive 106 flights, starting with three weekly flights in March and peaking at four weekly from July to October.
Brussels (BRU)
Brussels will have 48 seasonal flights, beginning in August and running until October, with four weekly flights.
Munich (MUC)
Munich will see 76 flights from June to October, operating four times a week.
Cathay Pacific’s Fleet Details for European Routes
Airbus A350-900
- Capacity: 280 passengers (38 Business, 28 Premium Economy, 214 Economy).
- Features: Business class seats convert to 75″ flatbeds; premium economy offers 40″ pitch.
Airbus A350-1000
- Capacity: 334 passengers (46 Business, 32 Premium Economy, 256 Economy).
- Use: Limited to London and Amsterdam early in the year.
Boeing 777-300ER
- Capacity: Varies by configuration; includes six first-class suites in the 77A layout.
- Use: Primarily for London, Frankfurt, and Milan routes early in the year.
2025 Outlook for Cathay Pacific’s European Operations
Cathay Pacific is set to solidify its European presence in 2025, with a heavy reliance on the A350-900 for most routes. The airline’s strategic fleet transitions and schedule expansions demonstrate its commitment to rebuilding after pandemic-related disruptions.
By year’s end, Cathay’s European network will feature 11 destinations, most served daily with modern aircraft, offering passengers comfort, reliability, and efficiency.